Sacraments

BAPTISMBaptism is the basis of the whole Christian life. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of Christ. We become members of the Body of Christ, the Church, and are made sharers in her mission.Infant Baptisms are celebrated with the parish community at Mass on designated Sundays during the year. Baptisms outside of Mass are scheduled with the deacons of the parish and arrangements can be made by contacting the Parish Center.

Parents should register for Baptism preparation classes. These classes review the baptism rite and provide an explanation of the meaning of the symbols involved in the baptismal ceremony as well as offer advice on Christian parenting. They are held monthly, and you can register by contacting the Parish Center. We encourage registration for the program before the birth of the child.The role of godparent is a serious one and being chosen is an honor.Godparents are supports for parents in modeling Christian living. At least one godparent must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic. If the other godparent is a Christian from another tradition, he or she serves as a Christian witness. Church law requires that godparents be at least 16 years of age and fully initiated (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.)

Adult Baptisms are celebrated at the Easter Vigil as part of the RCIA Process.

CONFIRMATIONConfirmation completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which seal or confirm the baptized in unison with Christ and equip them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church.The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated with our ninth graders in the fall, after they have completed a preparation program including prayer, study, service, and a retreat.Any baptized adult Catholic who has not yet been confirmed is invited to participate in the RCIA process in preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Easter season.

EUCHARISTThe Eucharist is the heart of our Catholic tradition. The Eucharist is the fountain from which all of the Church’s life and power flows, and it is the summit toward which all her activity is directed.Mass is celebrated daily at Little Flower, and Communion is distributed under both forms. Communion is brought to the sick and homebound upon request.First Communion is celebrated by our second graders at selected Sunday Masses during the Easter season.

RECONCILIATIONThrough the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus continues to forgive, heal and reconcile us to our God and to one another.A priest is available to hear confessions every Saturday, except Holy Saturday, at 1pm in the Reconciliation Room in the church. Parishioners are welcome to seek individual reconciliation and spiritual direction at other times by appointment with a priest.First Reconciliation is celebrated by our second graders in the Lenten Season.

ANOINTING OF THE SICKThe care of the sick and elderly is always a loving concern to the Christian community. The Sacrament of the Sick proclaims and makes real the healing and gentle love of Christ. It is available to those who are seriously ill, aged, infirm, or facing surgery.Please contact the Rectory regarding any member of the household who is ill and would like to be anointed by a priest.A Communal Anointing of the Sick is held once a year on a given weekend at all the Sunday Masses.

PRIVACY LAWS OF HOSPITALSDue to privacy laws of the hospitals, we no longer are informed of parishioners from our parish who are admitted. For this reason, please notify the parish when someone from your family is admitted to the hospital.

MATRIMONYThe Sacrament of Marriage celebrates and witnesses the covenant love between a man and a woman and symbolizes in that union Christ’s covenant love for the Church.Since marriage is such a sacred and challenging vocation, it is important that couples be properly prepared to receive this sacrament.The couple should make arrangements one year in advance at the Rectory Office, in accordance with archdiocesan policy.During this year, they are expected to take part in a marriage preparation process with a priest and participate in a Pre-Cana or an Engaged Encounter.

HOLY ORDERSOrdination to the priesthood and diaconate is a sacrament of commissioning that empowers men to serve in the roles of leadership in the Church and act in the name of Christ and the Christian community with the promised assistance of the Holy Spirit.The Sacrament of Holy Orders is celebrated annually by our Archbishop in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.